Water saving challenges - can you do all 7?

With summer now at last in full swing and particularly during hot and dry periods we'd like to remind you to be careful with your water consumption.

Although the island's supplies are currently in a healthy state, prolonged dry weather spells can still put pressure on our reserves so it's very important to use water wisely.

We are recommending some water saving challenges that are simple, cost-effective and can make a real difference to the amount of water you use. Challenge yourself and your family and see if you can achieve all seven.

Water saving challenge No.1: Don't be a drip

A dripping tap can waste more than 5,500 litres of water a year, so make sure your taps are properly turned off and change washers promptly when taps start to drip. This will save water and lower your water bill!

Water saving challenge No.2: Turn off your tap

A running tap wastes more than six litres of water a minute, so turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving and washing your face. Use cold water if you don't need hot.

Water saving challenge No.3: Knock a minute off your shower

By taking one minute less in the shower saves at least 2,500 litres a year! What will you do with the extra six hours you will save every year?

Water saving challenge No.4: Get green fingered

Over 21,000 litres a year falls on the roof of the average UK home, it's easy to catch some of that rain in a water butt and your plants will love it too!

Water saving challenge No.5: Save your suds

Using a sink of water to wash up twice a day rather than having the hot tap running could save money on your energy and water bills. If you need to rinse utensils or wash vegetables, use cold water if possible and don't leave the tap running.

Water saving challenge No.6: Fill them up

Nearly 22% of indoor home water use comes from using a dishwasher and doing laundry. Make sure that dishwashers and washing machines are full before you use them, and always use the most efficient water and energy settings.

Water saving challenge No.7: Change your head

If a family of four replace their inefficient shower head with a water-efficient one they could save around £65 off their energy bills and around £100 off their water bills (if they have a water meter) each year. That's a total saving of around £165.